UK Legal Updates in April 2025

April 2025 is bringing some legal changes that will impact workers and employers across the UK. Below is your guide to what’s changing.

National Minimum Wage Increases

From 1 April 2025, workers will see a boost in their pay packets thanks to the latest increases in the National Minimum Wage (NMW) and National Living Wage (NLW). The new rates are:

• National Living Wage (21 and over): £12.21 per hour (up from £11.44)
• 18-20 Year Old Rate: £10.00 per hour (up from £8.60)
• 16-17 Year Old and Apprentice Rate: £7.55 per hour (up from £6.40)

Other increases to statutory rats of pay are as follows:

• Statutory Sick Pay (SSP): Increasing to £118.75 per week (up from £116.75)
• Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, and Shared Parental Pay: Rising to £187.18 per week (up from £184.03)

Employer National Insurance Changes

From 6 April 2025, Employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs) are rising from 13.8% to 15%, to help ensure a more robust social safety net. Employers should plan ahead and update their payroll processes to stay on top of these changes.

Support for New Parents

The introduction of Neonatal Care Leave and Pay begins on 6 April 2025 meaning that where a baby requires neonatal care, the parent will be entitled to up to 12 weeks of paid leave. Neonatal Care Leave is designed to be added to the end of any other family leave such as maternity, paternity or shared parental leave to compensate the parent for the time lost with the baby whilst they were receiving neonatal care.

What next?

In addition to the above, the Government is currently passing The Employment Rights Bill through the Houses of Parliament which are likely to introduce more changes by the end of the year. It is estimated that these changes will give employees further protection such as abolishment of dismissal and re-engagement practices and the possibility of employer liability for third party harassment. Keep an eye out for the changes, or ring our legal advice team for more details.